Florida Man Sets Home on Fire With Woman & 4-Month-Old Baby Inside

A Florida man is facing multiple charges, including attempted manslaughter, after allegedly setting fire to a home with a woman and a 4-month-old baby still inside. He reportedly started the fire after a domestic dispute with the woman. It is unknown how the baby factors into the relationship other than being in the home during the argument.

Thankfully, the woman and baby were able to get away from the fire without injuries. Police quickly arrested the man, and he now faces charges. Currently, the investigation is ongoing.

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The relationship between the man and woman is unclear.

Multiple outlets reported that 35-year-old Ronald Beasley Jr. got into an argument with the woman, who police have not identified. The woman told the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that she and Beasley got into an argument about his drug addiction, FOX13 Tampa reported.

Their argument escalated quickly.

The woman said that she locked herself and the baby in the bathroom to get away from Beasley. Despite this, Beasley was able to get into the bathroom. But when the woman threatened to call 911, Beasley fled the scene. She says she then locked the front door to the home, WWSB reported.

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That's when Beasley allegedly retaliated.

After Beasley left, the woman said she heard a loud boom coming from behind the house. PCSO reported that a neighbor/witness yelled for her to leave the home.

The witness told deputies that she saw Beasley exiting the home through the backyard. “You need to go get the baby from inside the house because I just set it on fire,” Beasley allegedly told the witness.

Beasley was found and arrested quickly.

The woman and the baby were able to get out of the house safely. Unfortunately, there was a cat that was not rescued and later found dead in the home.

According to the PCSO, the fire caused “great deal of damage to the home.” Officers found Beasley a few blocks from the home and arrested him.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police Car Stopped on a Road at Night with Emergency Lights
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“This violent suspect’s actions put innocent lives in serious danger, and we are grateful that the victims made it out safely,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. “Setting a fire in a home with a baby and family pet inside is not only reckless but shows a complete disregard for life. We are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and ensuring this suspect is held fully accountable for his actions.”

Beasley was charged with attempted first-degree murder, animal cruelty, false imprisonment, and tampering with a witness. The state fire marshal charged him with first-degree arson.